Field serviceable, small form-factor pressure scanner

ABSTRACT

The disclosed technology relates to a field serviceable pressure scanner suitable for high-pressure sensing applications and replacement of large pressure transmitter panels. The pressure scanner includes a housing having a mounting plate comprising a plurality of through-hole bores extending from a front to back side for mating with corresponding transducer ports of the pressure sensors, and a plurality of input ports disposed on the front side of the mounting plate and in communication with the corresponding plurality of through-hole bores. The pressure scanner assembly includes two or more field-replaceable (swappable) pressure sensors seal mounted to the back side of the mounting plate, each pressure sensor comprising one or more sensor ports, each of the one or more sensor port in communication with corresponding through-hole bores in the mounting plate, and a multi-channel data acquisition system configured to receive pressure signals from the two or more field-replaceable pressure sensors.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/257,442, filed 25 Jan. 2019 and published as U.S. Patent PublicationNo. US20190234823 on 1 Aug. 2019. U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/257,442 claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119 to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 62/622,455, entitled “Replacement of LargePressure Transmitter Panels,” filed 26 Jan. 2018, the contents of whichare incorporated by reference in their entirety as if fully set forthherein.

FIELD

The disclosed technology relates to a field serviceable, smallform-factor pressure scanner suitable for high-pressure sensingapplications and replacement of large pressure transmitter panels.

BACKGROUND

In the oil and gas industry, there are many installations where largepanels of pressure transmitters are used to monitor pressures in asystem. For example, seal gas panels may utilize banks of transmittersto monitor the flow of gas, conditions of filters, and other pressures.See for instance “Dry Gas Seal Systems for Centrifugal Compressors”(CompresorTech2, Jun. 2017) or “An Effective Dry Gas Seal Panel” (Pumpsand Systems July 2012).

Conventional pressure monitoring panels are very large and bulky due tothe collections of piping, valves, sensors, transmitters, electronics,wiring, and other associated components. Such panels can be very large,having dimensions of more than 10 feet high and 10 to 20 feet wide, andmaking it difficult to find adequate space close to machinery where thepressure measurements are to be made. One approach to address the issueof bulky panels in limited space is to install the panel in a remotelocation and run long sections of tubing to the machinery. This approachcan present several disadvantages: it often takes up even more space, itis expensive to run the tubing, and it creates the potential for moreleaks.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,061,213 entitled “High Temperature, High BandwidthPressure Acquisition System,” assigned to Kulite Semiconductor Products,Inc., and incorporated herein by reference, discloses an acquisitionsystem for measuring pressures from multiple individual transducerassemblies that can be positioned on various points along a model to betested and in extreme environmental conditions (such as on an aircraftwing or some other object placed in a wind tunnel). In one embodiment, agiven transducer assembly may be permanently assigned to a correspondingfixed channel of the acquisition system and programmed with permanentcompensation coefficients. In another embodiment, a memory chip attachedto each transducer may store compensation coefficients so that anytransducer may be plugged into any channel of the acquisition system.The acquisition system can be placed in a safer environment and mayreceive data from each of the sensors via a digital bus.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,743,662 entitled “Low Differential Pressure Transducer,”assigned to Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc., and incorporated hereinby reference, discloses an oil-filled, two-diaphragm, differentialpressure transducer having an “H”-shaped header. The header providesspace for electrical leads to connect with the internal transducerbridge while allowing the first and second diaphragms to be of equaldiameter and size, thereby enabling the diaphragms to exhibit compliantback pressure to the common oil-filled cavity for transmittingdifferential pressure to a transducer bridge, and in turn, allowinglower differential pressures to be measured.

Certain pressure scanners, such as pressure scanner model KMPS-1-64 fromKulite Semiconductor Products, Inc., may be utilized to monitor multiplepressures (generally 16 to 64) in a very small area. This pressurescanner is described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,372,131, entitled “PressureScanner Assemblies Having Replaceable Sensor Plates,” assigned to KuliteSemiconductor Products, Inc., and incorporated herein by reference. Thispatent discloses a small form-factor pressure scanner assembly havingmultiple pressure transducers attached to swappable sensor plates, whichallow banks of multiple pressure transducers to be replaced along withtheir associated multiplexing and/or compensation electronics.

Other small form-factor scanner systems (such as pressure scanner model9016 from Pressure Systems Inc.) are commercially available and may beused with external transducers.

The above-mentioned pressure systems can be very compact, but they lacksome of the features necessary to make them suitable robust replacementsfor transmitters in certain high-pressure applications, particularly inapplications needing flexible infield servicing, for example, to uncloginternal pressure lines or to replace any single defective transducer. Aneed exists for systems and methods that address such issues.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Certain example implementations of the disclosed technology include afield-serviceable, small form-factor pressure scanner assembly havingmultiple pressure transducers. Embodiments of the disclosed technologycan include a housing/transducer infrastructure that provides improvedconfiguration flexibility for various pressure sensing applications.Certain example implementations of the disclosed technology enableindividual pressure transducers to be selected and installed in theassembly for a given application while enabling individual pressuretransducers to be replaced, serviced, and/or re-configured in the field.

In accordance with certain example implementations of the disclosedtechnology, a pressure scanner assembly is provided that includes amounting plate having a back-side sensor mounting interface configuredfor simultaneous mounting of single-input and dual-input pressuresensors. The pressure scanner assembly further includes a plurality offield-swappable pressure sensors attached to the sensor mountinginterface, wherein each of the plurality of field-swappable pressuresensors may be in communication with one or more corresponding inputports disposed on a front-side of the mounting plate. The pressurescanner assembly further includes a multi-channel data acquisitionsystem configured to receive pressure signals from the plurality offield-swappable pressure sensors.

In another example implementation, a field serviceable, compact,multi-channel pressure scanner assembly is provided. The assembly caninclude a housing configured to house pressure sensors and a dataacquisition assembly, the housing occupying a volume of between 0.025cubic meters and 0.03 cubic meters, and comprising: a mounting platecomprising a plurality of through-hole bores extending from a front sideto a back side of the mounting plate and configured for mating withcorresponding transducer ports of the pressure sensors; and a pluralityof input ports disposed on the front side of the mounting plate and incommunication with the corresponding plurality of through-hole bores.The assembly can include two or more field-replaceable pressure sensorsseal mounted to the back side of the mounting plate, each pressuresensor comprising one or more sensor ports, each of the one or moresensor port in communication with corresponding through-hole bores inthe mounting plate; and a multi-channel data acquisition systemconfigured to receive pressure signals from the two or morefield-replaceable pressure sensors.

A method is also provided for replacing a field-replaceable pressuresensor in a compact, multi-channel pressure scanner assembly duringoperation. The method can include closing one or more valves to blockpressure supplied to a first pressure sensor of a compact, multi-channelpressure scanner assembly. The method can include unplugging, from aconnector of the first pressure sensor, a communication cableelectrically connected to a multi-channel data acquisition system of thescanner assembly. The method can include removing the first pressuresensor from a mounting plate of the scanner assembly and installing andsecuring a second pressure sensor to the mounting plate in a positionpreviously occupied by the first pressure sensor. The method can includeplugging the communication cable into a connector of the second pressuresensor. The method can include opening the one or more valves to supplypressure to the second pressure sensor.

Other implementations, features, and aspects of the disclosed technologyare described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimeddisclosed technology. Other implementations, features, and aspects canbe understood with reference to the following detailed description,accompanying drawings, and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1A depicts a cross-sectional side-view of a pressure scannerassembly 100, according to an example implementation of the disclosedtechnology.

FIG. 1B depicts a panel face-view of the pressure scanner assembly 100,according to an example implementation of the disclosed technology.

FIG. 2 depicts an individual differential pressure sensor 200 that maybe utilized in the scanner assembly 100 of FIG. 1A (as also depicted inFIG. 3 and FIG. 4), according to an example implementation of thedisclosed technology.

FIG. 3 depicts a pressure scanner assembly 300 (which may correspond tothe assembly 100 as shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B) having various sensors104 including sensors 104 installed in a first orientation and adifferential sensor 200 (as shown in FIG. 2) installed in a secondorientation and in communication with two input ports.

FIG. 4A depicts a cross-sectional end-view of a pressure scannerassembly 400 (which may correspond to the assembly 100 as shown in FIG.1A, FIG. 1B, and FIG. 3), having both a differential sensor 200 and asingle-input sensor 402 installed in the assembly 100, according to anexample implementation of the disclosed technology.

FIG. 4B depicts a detailed inset view of an interface between aninstalled differential sensor 200 and the mounting plate 102.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of a method 500 for replacing afield-replaceable pressure sensor in a compact, multi-channel pressurescanner assembly during operation, according to an exampleimplementation of the disclosed technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosed technology includes systems and methods related toimproved pressure transducer scanner panel assemblies, and inparticular, to certain configurations that can provide a robust pressureacquisition system having a compact footprint while allowing individualsensors to be swapped-out, replaced, or serviced without disturbingother sensors in the assembly. Certain implementations may enablereplacing/servicing individual sensors in the assembly during operation,so that other sensors in the assembly may continue to operate and takepressure measurements during the replacing/servicing process. Certainexample implementations of the disclosed technology can provide forflexible use of both single-input (absolute) and dual-input(differential) sensors. Certain features disclosed herein may beutilized and/or combined in a new way with features described in theincorporated references to address some of the challenges associatedwith conventional pressure scanner systems.

Certain example implementations of the disclosed technology include apressure scanner that enables simultaneous, individual pressuremeasurements in a small space while providing improved flexibility,robustness, and field-serviceability of individual pressuretransmitters. The disclosed technology provides improved configurationflexibility of a pressure scanner, in which individual pressuretransducers may be selected (and/or configured) for use in a givenapplication. Certain example implementations of the disclosed technologyprovide an improved housing/transducer layout and mating infrastructurethat enables individual pressure transducers of an array to be replaced,serviced, and/or re-configured at the measurement site (i.e., in thefield) without requiring an entire bank of transducers to be replaced.Certain example implementations of the disclosed technology may utilizea high-temperature, high-bandwidth data acquisition system along with aplurality of robust, pressure sensors to address certain challengesrelated to conventional pressure scanner panels.

FIG. 1A depicts a cross-sectional side-view of a pressure scannerassembly 100 according to an example implementation of the disclosedtechnology. FIG. 1B depicts a panel face-view of the pressure scannerassembly 100, according to an example implementation of the disclosedtechnology.

In certain implementations, the assembly 100 can include a multi-channelpressure scanner housing configured to house individual pressure sensors104 that can be either single-input (absolute) or dual-input(differential) sensors, as will be explained below. In this figure, eachof the pressure sensors 104 are depicted in a first orientation (such asorientation 101 as depicted in FIG. 1B). Certain example implementationsof the disclosed technology may provide for installing some or all ofthe pressure sensors 104 in a second orientation 103 (as shown in FIG.3) to provide added flexibility. In certain example implementations, thehousing may be configured to accommodate a 16-channel pressure scanner(with associated pressure sensors 104). In other disclosedimplementations, the number of channels and associated sensors 104 maybe configured, as needed, ranging from 2 to 64.

According to certain example implementations of the disclosedtechnology, the size of the housing may scale according to factors suchas the number and/or type(s) of sensors 104 used. In certain exampleimplementations, the housing may be configured to allow for fieldinspection, maintenance, and/or repair (such as field replacement ofindividual sensors 104, unclogging associated tubing or input ports 114,etc.). One implementation of the disclosed technology may be utilized asa 16-channel scanner panel in a glass seal application, with the housinghaving dimensions of approximately 18″×10″×10″ (˜46 cm×26 cm by 26 cm).Such compact size of the housing may allow installation of the assembly100 in a small space while allowing access to sensor mounting fasteners(such as nuts or screws) for example, via a wrench or other tool, and toenable swapping individual sensors 104 without disturbing otherinstalled sensors in the assembly 100.

According to an example implementation of the disclosed technology, thepressure scanner assembly 100 may include a data acquisition system 106in communication with the individual sensors 104 via individual cables109. For example, in a 16-channel system, the data acquisition system106 may connect to 16 individual pressure sensors 104 with 16 individualcables 109. The cables 109 may be connected to the sensors 104 withelectrical connectors allowing for easy disconnection for maintenanceand/or removal and replacement of individual sensors 104. In certainexample implementations, the cables 109 may be coaxial cables havingconnectors for quick and easy attachment to sensors 104 on one end, andthe data acquisition system 106 on the other end. In certain exampleimplementations, a ribbon cable and/or backplane (not shown) may beutilized to communicate the measurement data from the sensors 104 to theacquisition system 106.

In accordance with certain example implementations of the disclosedtechnology, the data acquisition system 106 may be configured to detectwhen any one of the sensors 104 is missing, defective, not plugged in,and/or providing measurement signals that are out of range. In certainexample implementations, the data acquisition system 106 mayperiodically read the sensor 104 identifying information on eachchannel, and if such information is missing or can't be read, thecorresponding channel may have the corresponding sampling temporarilyturned off until the identification information is again detected. Incertain example implementations, the sampling rate of the remainingchannels may be increased by reducing the number of active sensors.

According to an example implementation of the disclosed technology, thepressure scanner assembly 100 may be configured with different sensors104, for example, having different pressure ranges and/or modes (forexample, absolute, differential, gauge, etc.), which may enableconfiguring the assembly 100 to measure many different processvariables. In certain example implementations, each sensor 104 may beconfigured to measure a different pressure range and/or mode. In certainexample implementations, one or more of the sensors 104 may beconfigured with the same or similar pressure range and/or mode.

In certain example implementations, one or more of the sensors 104 mayinclude compensation means, for example, to adjust the sensor responsefor environmental and other factors such as temperature, pressure range,humidity, etc., as described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,709,452, entitled“Systems and Methods for Compensating a Sensor,” assigned to KuliteSemiconductor Products, Inc., and incorporated herein by reference. Incertain example implementations, one or more configurable resistornetworks in communication with one or more of the input and outputterminals of the sensor 104 may be used to reduce or eliminate responseerrors. In certain example implementations, the compensation circuitrymay be built-in to the individual sensor 104. In other exampleimplementations, as will be described below, compensation and/or otherprocessing may be performed externally based on determining anidentification of the sensor.

In certain example implementations, the sensor 104 may include a memorymodule with stored information that the data acquisition system 106 canread. According to an example implementation of the disclosedtechnology, such stored information can include one or more of: a serialnumber, a sensor type, pressure range, and compensation parameters, asdiscussed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20160357697,entitled “Systems and Methods for Multibit Code Communications,”assigned to Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc., and incorporated hereinby reference.

In an example implementation, one or more of the sensors 104 may beconfigured with an identification (ID) that can be read by the dataacquisition system 106. For example, the ID may be utilized by the dataacquisition system 106 to determine the type, range, parameters, etc.,of a particular sensor 104 so that the data acquisition system 106 canconfigure the input and/or apply the proper compensation to the sensor104 based on the ID. In one example implementation of the disclosedtechnology, the ID can be the serial number uniquely assigned to eachsensor 104. In certain implementations, the serial number may be printedon the body of the transducer. According to an example implementation ofthe disclosed technology, characteristics of the particular sensor maybe stored in a database (or look-up table) and associated with theserial number.

In accordance with certain example implementations of the disclosedtechnology, a Transducer Electronic Data Sheet (TEDS) may be utilized toidentify a particular sensor 104. In this example implementation, asmall memory chip that can be installed in the sensor and the memory canbe addressed and read by an external reader (such as the dataacquisition system 106) using one or two additional conductors. Thememory can store information besides the serial number, such as the partnumber, manufacturing date, last calibration date, pressure range, aswell as individual coefficients which, when used with a polynomialfunction, may be used to reduce various errors associated with thetransducer.

In certain example implementations, such as in high-temperature or otherextreme environment applications where active electronics may pose areliability issue (i.e., due to EMI, lightning or ESD), the IDassociated with the sensor 104 may be encoded by passive resistors orother components within the sensor 104 and the data acquisition systemmay use a look-up table for determining the proper compensation, range,etc. Certain example implementations of the disclosed technology providefor manufacturing transducers with distinct internal IDs, withoutrequiring any active electronic memory circuits, as discussed in U.S.Pat. No. 9,739,681, entitled “Systems and Methods for ElectricallyIdentifying and Compensating Individual Pressure Transducers,” andincorporated herein by reference. Certain implementations may utilizepassive resistive elements selected and arranged to provide distinctcombined resistance values that may be electronically interrogated andreferenced to corresponding distinct IDs.

In accordance with certain example implementations of the disclosedtechnology, the data acquisition system 106 may be configured to outputmultiplexed data received from multiple sensors 104 over a digital bus,such as Ethernet, CAN, MODBUS, etc., via a signal output port 116. Incontrast, certain conventional systems may require individual dataacquisition system and/or individual transmitters for each sensor, eachof which may require protection from the elements and can add bulk tosuch conventional systems.

With continued reference to FIG. 1A, and according to certain exampleimplementations, the various components (such as the sensors 104 anddata acquisition system 106) may be mounted to a back side of a mountingplate 102 of the assembly 100. The mounting plate 102 can includemounting flanges 105 configured to allow mounting of the assembly 100 toan equipment rack or other external structure (not shown). The assembly100 may include a removable, protective cover 112 that can be attachedto the back side of the mounting plate 102 by fasteners 110 (such asscrews or latches). The cover 112 can be removed (for example, for fieldservice) once the assembly 100 is mounted and all pressure tubing 118 isinstalled and connected to the corresponding input ports 114. In certainexample implementations, the input ports 114 may be mounted on a frontside of the mounting plate 102 and in communication with correspondingthrough-hole bores in the mounting plate 102. In this way, a sensor 104or other components in the assembly 100 can be serviced in the fieldeven when the system is running without affecting any of the othermeasurement channels. In certain example implementations, the inputports 114 may include compression seals or the like and configured toconnect with pressure tubing 118 from external equipment 122 for whichpressure measurements are to be made. In certain implementations, avalve 120 may be placed in-line with the pressure tubing 118 toselectively turn off the pressure to a particular sensor 104 for fieldreplacement or servicing.

In accordance with certain example implementations of the disclosedtechnology, and in actual practice in certain applications (such as in agas seal panel replacement) the assembly 100 may also include valves 120in line with the pressure tubing 118. Such valves 120 may be utilizedfor functions such as bleeding pressure from the system and/or turningoff pressure to replace failed sensors. In certain implementations, thevalves 120 may be external devices (as depicted in FIG. 1A). In someimplementations, one or more of the valves 124 may be integrated intothe input ports 114 of the assembly 100, as described in U.S. Pat. No.9,470,325, entitled “Single and Grouped Pressure Valves,” assigned toKulite Semiconductor Products, Inc., and incorporated herein byreference.

Certain configurations utilizing the disclosed technology, inconjunction with proper valving, may take up less than 10 cubic feet(0.28 cubic meters), whereas a conventional the gas panel may take up100 cubic feet (2.8 cubic meters).

FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional side view of an individual differentialpressure sensor 200. In certain example implementations, one or more ofsuch sensors 200 may be used in combination with the other sensors 104as discussed with reference to FIG. 1A (as will be discussed below withreference to FIG. 3). It should be understood that the pressure sensor200 described here may embody other transducer types and/orconfigurations, depending on the application.

In accordance with certain example implementations of the disclosedtechnology, and as depicted in FIG. 2, a differential wet-wet oil filledheader 204 may be utilized to configure the pressure sensor 200 as adifferential transducer. In accordance with this example configuration,the header 204 may be in communication with a first port 206 and asecond port 208 such that one side of a diaphragm within the header 204may be in communication with the first sensing port 206, while the otherside of the diaphragm may be in communication with the second sensingport 208 to provide a differential measurement configuration. Onetechnical advantage of the disclosed technology is that differenttransducer configurations may utilize the same (or substantiallysimilar) housing 202, connectors 212, etc. for use with differentapplications and configurations. For example, in certain implementationsof the disclosed technology, a sensor having a single input port (forexample, sensor 104 as shown in FIG. 1A) may utilize housing componentsand/or base footprint compatible with such a configuration such thatadjacent sensors may also be mounted to the mounting plate. When adifferential transducer (as shown in FIG. 2) is utilized, the associatedassembly may have a footprint (or may be rotated 90 degrees) such thatthe first sensing port 206 and second sensing port 208 of the sensor 200aligns with two corresponding and adjacent input ports and through-holebores in the mounting plate of the scanner assembly (as will bediscussed below with reference to FIG. 3).

In accordance with certain example implementations of the disclosedtechnology, the sensor 200 (and/or any of the other sensors 104) may beattached to the back side of the housing mounting plate with screws orfasteners (not shown) in the mounting holes 214, such that thethrough-hole bores align with and are in communication with thecorresponding sensing ports of the sensors while forming a seal betweenthe sensor base 216 and the mounting plate 102 to prevent pressure fromescaping.

With continued reference to FIG. 2, and according to an exampleimplementation, the pressure sensor 200 may include a circuit board 210,for example, to connect the header 204 with a connector 212. In certainexample implementations, the circuit board 210 may include ID components(such as a memory chip and/or other components as discussed above) foridentification, compensation, etc. In certain example implementations,the circuit board 210 may include compensation circuitry.

FIG. 3 depicts a pressure scanner assembly 300, that may be the same, ormay include similar components as discussed in the assembly 100 of FIG.1A. In this example implementation, one or more of the sensors 104 maybe a differential sensor, such as the pressure sensor 200 as discussedabove with reference to FIG. 2, while other sensors 104 may becharacterized as single input port (i.e., absolute) sensors. FIG. 3depicts the left-most six sensors 104 in a first orientation (i.e.,lengthwise into the page) while the rightmost sensor (a differentialsensor 200) is in a second orientation and in communication withadjacent two pressure ports 114. In certain example implementations, anyof the sensors 104 (including differential sensors 200) may have thesame footprint dimensions and may be installed in a common orientation(as will be depicted in FIG. 4A).

In applications where a differential sensor 200 is utilized, andaccording to certain example implementations, the first and second port(such as port 206 and port 208 as discussed above with reference to FIG.2) of the differential pressure transducer may be coupled tocorresponding input ports of the scanner assembly and may be mounted incontact with the scanner mounting plate 102 and sealed using O-ring faceseals to provide a sealed channel for delivery and measurement ofpressure. According to an example implementation of the disclosedtechnology, the sensor 200 may be configured to attach to the scannermounting plate 102 using screws which may be easily accessed to enablefield replacement or servicing of a pressure sensor 200.

In one example implementation of the disclosed technology, replacementof a pressure sensor 200 in the field may be accomplished by closing avalve 120 to block the pressure, removing a mating connector 108 of aconnecting cable 109 from the associated sensor connector, removingmounting screws, removing the sensor 200, and installing in a new one byreverse steps.

Different applications may employ different sensor types. For example,certain applications may require absolute pressure measurements. In suchapplications, and according to an example implementation, the associatedsensor may require only a single port. In another exampleimplementation, the header may be non-oil filled depending on thepressure range and media type. Other application may utilize adifferential wet-wet oil filled header. In another exampleimplementation, the header may be oil-filled only on one side dependingon pressure range a media type. Certain applications of the disclosedtechnology may include various combinations of the different sensortypes.

FIG. 4A depicts a cross-sectional end-view of a pressure scannerassembly 400 (which may correspond to the assembly 100 as shown in FIG.1A, FIG. 1B, and FIG. 3), having both a differential sensor 200 and asingle-input sensor 402 installed in the assembly 100, according to anexample implementation of the disclosed technology. In certain exampleimplementations, screws 406 or other fasteners may be utilized to attachthe cover 112 to the mounting plate 102.

FIG. 4B depicts a detailed inset view of an interface between aninstalled differential sensor 200 and the mounting plate 102. Asdiscussed previously, a differential pressure sensor 200 may be coupledto corresponding input ports and may be mounted in contact with thescanner mounting plate 102 and sealed using O-ring face seals 408, forexample, to provide a sealed channel for delivery and measurement ofpressure to the first port 206 and a second port 208. In accordance withcertain example implementations of the disclosed technology, aregistration feature 410 may be utilized to ensure that the sensors 114are mounted in a correct orientation, for example, so that techniciansdo not confuse a main pressure input port with a reference pressureinput port. According to an example implementation of the disclosedtechnology, the sensor 200 may be configured to attach to the scannermounting plate 102 using screws which may be easily accessed to enablefield replacement or servicing of a pressure sensor 200.

As shown on the right-hand side of FIG. 4A, a single-input pressuresensor 402 may have footprint dimensions similar to the dual-inputpressure sensor 200 and may be configured to occupy two ports, but tocover-up one of the corresponding through-hole bores and associatedinput ports 404. In certain example implementations, a gasket, plug orO-ring 408 may be utilized to seal the unused port 404. In other exampleimplementations (not shown) single-input sensors may be configured tooccupy only one interface port per sensor to provide maximum sensordensity within the assembly.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of a method 500 for replacing afield-replaceable pressure sensor in a compact, multi-channel pressurescanner assembly during operation, and without disturbing other sensorsin the assembly, according to an example implementation of the disclosedtechnology. In block 502, the method 500 includes closing one or morevalves to block pressure supplied to a first pressure sensor of acompact, multi-channel pressure scanner assembly. In block 504, themethod 500 includes unplugging, from a connector of the first pressuresensor, a communication cable electrically connected to a multi-channeldata acquisition system of the scanner assembly. In block 506, themethod 500 includes removing the first pressure sensor from a mountingplate of the scanner assembly. In block 508, the method 500 includesinstalling and securing a second pressure sensor to the mounting platein a position previously occupied by the first pressure sensor. In block510, the method 500 includes plugging the communication cable into aconnector of the second pressure sensor. In block 512, the method 500includes opening the one or more valves to supply pressure to the secondpressure sensor.

In certain example implementations, removing the first pressure sensorincludes removing one or more fasteners that are configured to securethe first pressure sensor to the mounting plate of the scanner assembly.

In certain example implementations, installing and securing the secondpressure sensor to the mounting plate can include installing an O-ringbetween the second pressure sensor and the mounting plate and axiallyaligned with a sensor port of the second pressure sensor and athrough-hole bore of the mounting plate.

According to an example implementation of the disclosed technology, atleast some of of the through-hole bores are spaced relative to adjacentthrough-hole bores to provide alignment with both sensor ports of adifferential field-replaceable pressure sensor having two sensor ports.

In certain example implementations, the mounting plate can furtherinclude one or more mounting flanges configured for mounting themounting plate to an external structure.

In certain example implementations, the scanner assembly can include aremovable cover configured for selective attachment to the mountingplate.

In certain example implementations, the scanner assembly can include aplurality of input ports that are configured for coupling with pressuretubing to receive pressure for sensing by the corresponding two or morefield-replaceable pressure sensors.

According to an example implementation of the disclosed technology, thescanner assembly can include a multi-channel data acquisition systemthat is field-replaceable.

In certain example implementations, the multi-channel data acquisitionsystem is further configured to output, via a digital bus, multiplexeddata received from the two or more field-replaceable pressure sensors.

In accordance with certain example implementations of the disclosedtechnology, the scanner assembly is characterized by (approximate)dimensions having length by width by height of 46 cm by 26 cm by 26 cm(18 in by 10 in by 10 in) and occupying an (approximate) volume of about0.03 cubic meters. In certain example implementations, the dimensionsmay be adjusted to provide an assembly having a volume ranging fromabout 0.02 cubic meters to about 0.04 cubic meters.

In certain example implementations, one or more of the field-replaceablepressure sensors are oil-filled pressure sensors.

In certain example implementations, the field-replaceable pressuresensors are uniquely identifiable by the multi-channel data acquisition.

In certain example implementations, at least a portion of the pluralityof input ports are coupled with corresponding pressure tubing to receivepressure, wherein one or more external valves are coupled with thepressure tubing to selectively control the received pressure.

Certain example implementations of the disclosed technology allow for agreat deal of flexibility while keeping a compact size allowing forreplacement of a large panel installation with a much smaller pressurescanner panel and maintaining flexibility and robustness. Certainexample implementations of the disclosed technology allow for both sizeand cost savings over the traditional individual transmitter approach.

It is important to recognize that it is impractical to describe everyconceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes ofdescribing the claimed subject matter. However, a person having ordinaryskill in the art will recognize that many further combinations andpermutations of the subject technology are possible. Accordingly, theclaimed subject matter is intended to cover all such alterations,modifications, and variations that are within the spirit and scope ofthe claimed subject matter.

Throughout the specification and the claims, the following terms take atleast the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the contextclearly dictates otherwise. The terms “connect,” “connecting,” and“connected” mean that one function, feature, structure, orcharacteristic is directly joined to or in communication with anotherfunction, feature, structure, or characteristic. The term “couple,”“coupling,” and “coupled” mean that one function, feature, structure, orcharacteristic is directly or indirectly joined to or in communicationwith another function, feature, structure, or characteristic. Relationalterms such as “first” and “second,” and the like may be used solely todistinguish one entity or action from another entity or action withoutnecessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or orderbetween such entities or actions. The term “or” is intended to mean aninclusive “or.” Further, the terms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended tomean one or more unless specified otherwise or clear from the context tobe directed to a singular form. The term “includes,” and its variousforms are intended to mean including but not limited to. The terms“substantially,” “essentially,” “approximately,” “about” or any otherversion thereof, are defined as being close to as understood by one ofordinary skill in the art, and in one non-limiting embodiment the termis defined to be within 10%, in another embodiment within 5%, in anotherembodiment within 1% and in another embodiment within 0.5%. A device orstructure that is “configured” in a certain way is configured in atleast that way but may also be configured in ways that are not listed.

As disclosed herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However,it is to be understood that embodiments of the disclosed technology maybe practiced without these specific details. References to “oneembodiment,” “an embodiment,” “example embodiment,” “variousembodiments,” and other like terms indicate that the embodiments of thedisclosed technology so described may include a particular function,feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodimentnecessarily includes the particular function, feature, structure, orcharacteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment”does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may.

Although this disclosure describes specific examples, embodiments, andthe like, certain modifications and changes may be made withoutdeparting from the scope of the disclosed technology, as set forth inthe claims below. For example, although the example methods, devices,and systems, described herein are in conjunction with a pressuretransducer or a sensor, the skilled artisan will readily recognize thatthe example methods, devices or systems may be used in other methods,devices or systems and may be configured to correspond to such otherexample methods, devices or systems as needed. Further, while at leastone example, embodiment, or the like has been presented in the detaileddescription, many variations exist. Accordingly, the specification andfigures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictivesense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within thescope of the present disclosure. Any benefits, advantages, or solutionsto problems that are described herein with regard to specificembodiments or examples are not intended to be construed as a critical,required, or essential feature or element of any or all of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A pressure scanner assembly, comprising: amounting plate; a plurality of field-swappable pressure sensors attachedto the mounting plate, wherein each of the plurality of field-swappablepressure sensors are in communication with one or more correspondinginput ports; and a field-swappable multi-channel data acquisition systemconfigured to receive pressure signals from the plurality offield-swappable pressure sensors.
 2. The pressure scanner assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the plurality of field-swappable pressure sensorscomprises at least one single-input pressure sensor and at least onedual-input pressure sensor.
 3. The pressure scanner assembly of claim 1,wherein each of the plurality of field-swappable pressure sensors areseal mounted to the mounting plate and in communication with the one ormore corresponding input ports via corresponding through-hole boresextending from a front side to a back side of the mounting plate.
 4. Thepressure scanner assembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality offield-swappable pressure sensors comprise sensor combinationscharacterized by or more of: non-oil filled, wet-wet oil filled, andwet-dry oil filled.
 5. The pressure scanner assembly of claim 1, whereinin the input ports are configured for coupling with pressure tubing toreceive a pressure for sensing by the corresponding plurality offield-swappable pressure sensors.
 6. The pressure scanner assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the mounting plate comprises a back-side sensormounting interface configured for simultaneous mounting single-input anddual-input pressure sensors.
 7. The pressure scanner assembly of claim1, wherein the field-swappable multi-channel data acquisition system isfurther configured to output, via a digital bus, multiplexed datareceived from the plurality of field-swappable pressure sensors.
 8. Thepressure scanner assembly of claim 1, wherein at least a first pressuresensor of the plurality of field-swappable pressure sensors is swappableduring operation of a second pressure sensor of the plurality offield-swappable pressure sensors.
 9. The pressure scanner assembly ofclaim 1, further comprising a removable cover, wherein the assembly ischaracterized by dimensions occupying a volume of less than 0.04 cubicmeters.
 10. A field serviceable, compact, multi-channel pressure scannerassembly, comprising: a housing configured to house pressure sensors anda data acquisition assembly, the housing comprising: a mounting platecomprising a plurality of through-hole bores extending from a front sideto a back side of the mounting plate and configured for mating withcorresponding pressure sensors; and two or more field-replaceablepressure sensors mounted to the mounting plate, each pressure sensorcomprising one or more sensor ports, each of the one or more sensor portin communication with corresponding through-hole bores in the mountingplate; and a multi-channel data acquisition system configured to receivepressure signals from the two or more field-replaceable pressuresensors.
 11. The assembly of claim 10, wherein at least a portion of thethrough-hole bores are spaced relative to adjacent through-hole bores toprovide alignment with both sensor ports of a differentialfield-replaceable pressure sensor having two sensor ports.
 12. Theassembly of claim 10, wherein in the one or more sensor ports areconfigured for coupling with pressure tubing to receive a pressure forsensing by the corresponding two or more field-replaceable pressuresensors.
 13. The assembly of claim 10, wherein the multi-channel dataacquisition system is field-replaceable.
 14. The assembly of claim 10,wherein the multi-channel data acquisition system is further configuredto output, via a digital bus, multiplexed data received from the two ormore field-replaceable pressure sensors.
 15. The assembly of claim 10,wherein the assembly is characterized by dimensions occupying a volumeof less than 0.04 cubic meters.
 16. The assembly of claim 10, wherein atleast one of the two or more field-replaceable pressure sensors isuniquely identifiable by the multi-channel data acquisition system. 17.The assembly of claim 11, wherein the multi-channel data acquisitionsystem is configured to apply one or more compensation parameters to atleast one of the two or more field-replaceable pressure sensors.
 18. Amethod of replacing a field-replaceable data acquisition module in acompact, multi-channel pressure scanner assembly during operation, themethod comprising: unplugging, from a connector of at least one pressuresensor, a communication cable electrically connected to a first dataacquisition module of the scanner assembly; removing the first dataacquisition module from a mounting plate of the scanner assembly;installing and securing a second data acquisition module to the mountingplate in a position previously occupied by the first data acquisitionmodule; and plugging the communication cable into a connector of thesecond data acquisition module.
 19. The method of claim 18, whereinremoving the first data acquisition module comprises removing one ormore fasteners that are configured to secure the first data acquisitionmodule to the mounting plate of the scanner assembly.
 20. The method ofclaim 18, further comprising programming the second data acquisitionmodule with compensation parameters for the at least one pressuresensor.